Following the completion of the sixth round of the 2025 NRL season, several teams will look to change up their team, while others will enter Round 7 with the exact same line-up.
Lachlan Croker (Manly Sea Eagles), Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Melbourne Storm), Lewis Dodd (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Matt Burton (Canterbury Bulldogs), Mark Nawaqanitawase (Sydney Roosters) and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui are just a few players who are set to be available for selection heading into Round 7.
However, while some return, the likes of Christian Tuipulotu (St George Illawarra Dragons), Jeral Skelton (Wests Tigers), James Fisher-Harris (New Zealand Warriors), Jayden Sullivan (South Sydney Rabbitohs) and Billy Smith (Sydney Roosters) have been ruled out for this week.
Following an injury-plagued season to date, Lachlan Croker (knee) is expected to make his long-awaited return to the field this week and is likely to replace Jazz Tevaga in the No.9 jumper.
Winger Jason Saab (ankle) is also expected to play, meaning either Clayton Faulolo or Tommy Talau will make their way out of the side.
"Saaby will play, all going well. And hopefully Crokes as well. If not round seven then round eight," coach Anthony Seibold said after the club lost to the Cronulla Sharks on Saturday afternoon.
"And then Turbo will be back for round eight (against Penrith) as well. They are a couple of important ones with our starting No.9 and fullback and Saaby as well."
Projected Round 7 Team: 1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Tommy Talau 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Josh Aloiai 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Haumole Olakau'atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Nathan Brown 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley
The Dragons will be sweating on the availability of winger Christian Tuipulotu who sustained a "moderate grade hamstring strain" last week against the Gold Coast Titans.
The club has confirmed that he will undergo scans to determine the severity and a return timeline will be provided once the results are confirmed.
According to NRL Physio, a minor strain will likely see him sidelined between two and four weeks.
Mathew Feagai is the obvious replacement after being named 18th man last week, while youngster Sione Finau is another potential option.
Meanwhile, rookie forward Dylan Egan will be available for Round 7 and won't require scans despite him leaving the field early due to hyperextending his elbow.
Projected Round 7 Team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Mathew Feagai 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Toby Couchman 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su'A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Hamish Stewart 17. Dylan Egan
Coming off the bye, the Bulldogs have received a massive boost with Matt Burton confirmed to be returning but will be without Harry Hayes for the Good Friday clash, freeing up a spot on the interchange bench.
While Buton will return to the field, Viliame Kikau is still recovering from a Grade Two MCL tear and is cautious about his knee.
This could potentially see him returning in Round 8 rather than next week.
“Me and Burto took the field last Sunday for our first run, I need to run again today [Tuesday], and we'll see how stable the knee is,” Kikau told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“I still need to keep coming in to tick a few boxes. There really is no need to rush back because the boys have been playing well.
“I'm taking my time to make sure the knee gets all the treatment it needs. The boys are back Sunday, but even then I won't do full contact.”
Sitili Tupouniua (suspension) will also make his return from a one-mach ban.
Projected Round 7 Team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Kurt Mann 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Josh Curran 17. Jaeman Salmon
Will Lewis Dodd play his first game?
Yet to play in the NRL, Zero Tackle understands that Dodd is framing up to appear in his first match on Good Friday after Jayden Sullivan was hit with a one-match suspension and Cody Walker (hamstring) and Jamie Humphreys (hamstring) remain sidelined.
Front-rower Sean Keppie is also facing a one-match suspension for a Grade 2 Careless High Tackle.
Returning through the NSW Cup last week, Josh Schuster is set to remain in reserve grade, given Wayne Bennett's tendencies not to force any players back onto the field earlier than necessary.
The same can be said for winger Tyrone Munro (collarbone) and centre Campbell Graham (calf) who are recovering from their respective injuries - the latter has a higher possibility of returning.
Projected Round 7 Team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Campbell Graham 4. Jack Wighton 5. Isaiah Tass 6. Latrell Mitchell 7. Lewis Dodd 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Davvy Moale 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Lachlan Hubner 14. Euan Aitken 15. Siliva Havili 16. Tallis Duncan 17. Liam Le Blanc
After a decisive victory against the Penrith Panthers, Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf may decide against making any changes to the line-up. However, Ray Stone will be available for selection after serving his one-game suspension.
Josh Kerr is the likely player to make way out of the team.
Projected Round 7 Team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Tom Gilbert 13. Max Plath 14. Kurt Donoghoe 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Connelly Lemuelu 17. Ray Stone
The Storm will be sweating on the availability of halfback Jahrome Hughes over the course of this week after sustaining a shoulder injury and leaving the field early in Round 6.
It is understood that Hughes will undergo scans but the club is quietly confident that he will be available to play against The Dolphins.
"Jahrome was keen to play on but we just thought with the way the game was the best option was to take him off," Storm coach Craig Bellamy said
"He was ready to go again if we needed him... he will go for scans just to make sure and hopefully it's nothing too serious."
Both Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Will Wabrick are expected to return from concussions as Craig Bellamy fields a near-best-possible team this weekend.
Projected Round 6 Team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Will Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Grant Anderson 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
The Warriors suffered a double disaster against the Melbourne Storm last week, with James Fisher-Harris (pec) facing an extended period on the sidelines and fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (concussion) failing his HIA.
Edward Kosi is set to enter the team pushing Taine Tuaupiki to the vacant fullback spot, while the likes of Kalani Going, Jacob Laban, Freddy Lussick and Tanner Stowers-Smith could replace the former Panther after playing in the NSW Cup.
Rocco Berry will also be unavailable as he faces a one-match ban after being charged by the Match Review Committee, opening up the door for Leka Halasima to move into the centres.
Projected Round 7 Team: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Edward Kosi 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Leka Halasima 5. Adam Pompey 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. Bunty Afoa 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 14. Jacob Laban 15. Jackson Ford 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Kalani Going
With Brendan Piakura (Round 8) and Ezra Mam (Round 10) still serving their suspensions, the Broncos will only make a couple of changes for this week.
Jordan Riki will enter the back-row in a direct swap for Jack Gosiewski.
Meanwhile, Jesse Arthars (concussion) will be absent due to the NRL's mandatory 11-day stand-down period.
According to News Corp, it has now been revealed that Arthars has had his concussion severity downgraded and will be named on the wing for Saturday.
Projected Round 7 Team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ben Hunt 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Patrick Carrigan 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Jordan Riki 12. Jaiyden Hunt 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Billy Walters 15. Corey Jensen 16. Xavier Willison 17. Martin Taupau
The Roosters will once again need to shake-up their back-line after the Match Review Committee charged centre Billy Smith and he is facing a one-match suspension.
Smith's absence will allow Mark Nawaqanitawase (calf) to re-take his spot in the team and is considered fit and available after nearly being a last-minute inclusion in Round 6.
Projected Round 7 Team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Mark Nawaqanitawase 4. Robert Toia 5. Dominic Young 6. Sandon Smith 7. Hugo Savala 8. Nat Butcher 9. Connor Watson 10. Naufahu Whyte 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Salesi Foketi 16. Blake Steep 17. Spencer Leniu
Five-eighth Jack Cole (concussion) will be back on deck for the Panthers while a return timeline has yet to be given on the status of hooker Mitch Kenny (shoulder). If available, he will replace Luke Sommerton.
As the first-grade side sustained their fifth consecutive loss, the club's NSW Cup demolished the Manly Sea Eagles 56-0 and could see some players called up to the NRL this week such as Daine Laurie, Jesse McLean, Asu Kepaoa, Trent Toelau, Matthew Eisenhuth and Luron Patea.
Projected Round 7 Team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Paul Alamoti 3. Izack Tago 4. Tom Jenkins 5. Casey McLean 6. Jack Cole 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Luke Sommerton 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Brad Schneider 15. Isaiah Papali'i 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner
The Gold Coast Titans are set to receive a massive boost for this week's match with four players to make their return from either injury or suspension.
Alofiana Khan-Pereira (hamstring), Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui (ankle), Jojo Fifita (thigh) and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (suspension) are all slated to make their returns to the field.
Meanwhile, forward Brock Gray is set to be unavailable after he was charged by the Match Review Committee and is facing a one-match suspension.
Projected Round 7 Team: 1. Jaylan De Groot 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. AJ Brimson 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Beau Fermor 12. David Fifita 13. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui 14. Chris Randall 15. Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Klese Haas
The Raiders will remain unchanged for Round 7 after a near-perfect 50-12 performance against the Eels last week.
Projected Round 7 Team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papalii 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Matty Nicholson 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Ata Mariota
After missing six of their NRL regulars in their Round 6 clash against the Wests Tigers, the Newcastle Knights are set to receive several players back this weekend as they attempt to snap their losing streak.
Adam Elliott (calf), James Schiller (concussion), Jack Cogger (finger) and Tyson Gamble (back) are all set to be available for selection as Adam O'Brien attempts to turn his fortunes around.
Projected Round 7 Team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Tyson Gamble 8. Leo Thompson 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Tyrone Thompson 11. Thomas Cant 12. Tyson Frizell 13. Adam Elliott 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Brodie Jones 16. Kai Pearce-Paul 17. Mat Croker
The Cronulla Sharks are expected to make no changes.
Although Addin Fonua-Blake (groin) departed the field early over the weekend and was taken to the dressing rooms, he is expected to play in Round 7 with coach Craig Fitzgibbon confirming that although there was "some niggle", he doesn't think it is signficant at all.
"He said he felt it early then kept playing with it," Fitzgibbon said.
"That suggests there's some niggle there but I don't think it's significant."
Projected Round 7 Team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sam Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Mawene Hiroti 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10 Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Thomas Hazelton
After the club confirmed that Lachlan Galvin will not be at the club beyond the 2026 NRL season, The Sydney Morning Herald reports that the five-eighth is set to be dropped for this week's match with Adam Doueihi taking his place in the halves.
Winger Jeral Skelton (hamstring) re-injured his hamstring last week after returning to the field after two weeks on the sidelines and will also be absent for this week.
Zero Tackle understands that Brent Naden has emerged as his likely replacement on the wing after he returned to the field via the NSW Cup last week.
Luke Laulilii and Solomona Faataape are two other options.
Projected Round 7 Team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Solomona Faataape 4. Starford To'a 5. Brent Naden 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Latu Fainu 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Alex Twal 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Royce Hunt 16. Jack Bird 17. Sione Fainu
The Eels won't be forced into any changes this week but coach Jason Ryles may decide to shake-up his side after a 50-12 defeat to the Canberra Raiders last weekend.
Joash Papalii, Brendan Hands, Kelma Tuilagi, Bryce Cartwright and Matt Doorey are just some of the players that Ryles may call upon after a strong 28-20 victory in the NSW Cup against the Canberra Raiders.
In a surprising turn of events, injured halfback Mitchel Moses (foot) will be named in the squad when teams are announced on Tuesday and is firming to partner Dylan Brown in the halves for Monday's match, per The Sydney Morning Herald.
Projected Round 7 Team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Josh Addo-Carr 3. Will Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Joe Ofahengaue 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kitione Kautoga 12. Shaun Lane 13. J'maine Hopgood 14. Dylan Walker 15. Luca Moretti 16. Charlie Guymer 17. Ryan Matterson
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